Trauma

"If you have vitiligo and want to treat it, you should discuss treatment options with a dermatologist. There are many treatment options..."

American Academy of Dermatology

Ways of Coping with Vitiligo

Protect Your Skin

If you have been diagnosed with vitiligo, you should wear sunscreen and avoid excessive sun exposure. When your pigmented skin becomes tan, the effects of vitiligo are more noticeable.

Avoid Stress

Many patients have reported that stress or emotional trauma can trigger a spread of vitiligo. Practice yoga or another therapeutic activity to reduce your stress levels.

Seek Therapy

Although the condition is not life-threatening, vitiligo can cause decreased self-esteem and depression. Share your concerns with your doctor. You'll quickly find that you are not alone.

What do my symptoms mean?

Your Doctor Can Diagnose Vitiligo

A doctor can diagnose vitiligo by conducting a series of exams. These may include physical assessments with an ultraviolet light to highlight areas affected by vitiligo, a family history evaluation, medical health exam, biopsy, blood test, or an eye exam.

How can I improve my skin and my quality of life?

Your Options Range From Makeup to Surgery

There are several means of improving your complexion and achieving emotional relief:

Daily Coverage

Many patients choose to use makeup and self-tanners to conceal patches of depigmented skin on a day-to-day basis.

Laser or Light Therapy

For more extensive cases of vitiligo, your doctor may recommend light box, excimer laser, or UVA light therapy. A specialized treatment known as PUVA light therapy can be between 50 and 75 percent effective at re-pigmenting the skin.

Surgery

If you have a few isolated patches of affected skin, your doctor can perform a skin graft to replace depigmented areas.

Which treatment is best for me?

Explore Your Options with a Doctor

Although there is no known cure for vitiligo, relief is possible. A doctor can recommend a treatment based on your goals and other factors. Consult a skin care professional today to explore your treatment options.